Staff

Chris Head
CEO

Hello, I am Chris Head and I was delighted to take on the job of chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation at the end of 2007, having previously done similar roles at two other national health-care charities, Penny Brohn CancerCare and CLIC UK (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood).

I think the great thing about the Foundation is that, as well as funding the vital medical research which will finally lead to cures for meningitis and septicaemia, we also support people affected. We offer an opportunity, through our Membership scheme, for everyone to become directly involved in our work, particularly through media campaigns and fundraising, and I am constantly grateful for the energy and commitment of our thousands of supporters.

As a member of the Institute of Fundraising, a former board member of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, I believe strongly in championing professional standards in the charity sector. I am very fortunate that the dedication and expertise of my colleagues here is making a real difference people affected by and at risk from meningitis and septicaemia, both in the UK and abroad. 

Away from work I am an enthusiastic amateur musician and enjoy life with my family in Bath.

Paul George
Office Manager and PA to CEO

I have been with MRF since 1995, initially working 3 hours a day while managing a young family. Since then I have slowly become full time and moved over from fundraising to the position of office manager.

I am a keen supporter Charlton Athletic.

Kelly Bidder
Finance Manager

Hi I'm Kelly Bidder and I've been working for MRF since May 2004 as the Finance Manager.

My main role is to process all the income and expenditure for the whole charity including satellite offices and preparing monthly management accounts, but colleagues would agree an important part of my job is paying their wages!

I enjoy working for the charity and hopefully one day I will be able to keep on top of my filing!

 
Sue Gillett
Cashier

My name is Sue Gillett and I've been working for the charity since November 1994, how time flies!!!

I'm the cashier and I deal with all the financial paperwork that comes into the charity, such as invoices, expenses forms, purchase orders and, more seriously, the banking.

I also spend time trying to collect tea and coffee funds from the staff, this is sometimes the hardest part of my job.

Harpinder Collacott
Head of Communications and Campaigns

Hi, I'm Harpinder Collacott and I head up the Communications and Campaigns Department at MRF. I joined in September 2008, just in time to implement this new website project. My career has mainly been in the human rights field, working for the prosecutor of the War Crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone, think tanks and NGOs in Washington, DC USA, The Oak Foundation funding international human rights projects, and in the UK and European Parliaments for Parliamentarians.

My objectives are to raise the profile of the organisation through greater use of digital technology in our communications, informing a growing audience of the great results emerging from the excellent research we fund, and continue to make sure we raise awareness among as many people as possible about the diseases.

It is great to work with such a committed and passionate team at the Foundation and getting to know inspirational members and supporters, whose stories and bravery make every day worthwhile.

Do get involved in our campaigns and awareness work - your experiences really bring all our work alive. I look forward to hearing from you.

Adrian Robson
Communications Manager

Hi. I'm Adrian Robson. I work in the Communications Department at the Foundation and have done since 1999.

I look after lots of e-communications, like this website, as well our newsletter for members and supporters - Microscope.

I also work to increase media coverage of meningitis and septicaemia and the work of MRF.

Having a true understanding of the devastating effects of the diseases, through our Members, continues to be my main motivation.

Read our Members' stories on site in the Book of Experience.

Kirsten Appleton
Publications and Events Officer

I'm Kirsten Appleton, the Publications and Events Officer, and have been with the charity since 2004.

I look after all of the Foundation's printed materials - from the smallest symptoms card to the biggest wallplanner, and everything in between.

As part of the Communications Team I also help with working with the media, and I love the involvement this gives me with our Members, as their stories are a constant reminder of what it is we are trying to achieve.

Neil Hardman
Communications Officer

I'm Neil and I'm part of the Comms Team.

I joined MRF in 2006 - responsible for publicising fundraising events, working with our members and the media, and occasionally acting as a spokesperson myself.

I'm also heavily involved in keeping the Communications Office supplied with cups of tea.

I like working here because I enjoy meeting our members and helping them share their stories.

Shirley Gieron
Head of Helpline and Membership

Hi, I'm Shirley and I lead a team of dedicated staff and nurses working within the 24 hour Helpline and Membership Department.

My work with Members and individuals who have personal experience of meningitis and septicaemia includes home visits, the Telephone Befriending Network, giving talks to health professionals and community groups, running Members' Days and linking with other agencies and charities dealing with neurological and physical disabilities.

I feel privileged to support people affected by these diseases through times of extreme crisis, sharing their experiences and working with them through life changing trauma.

Tina Stoodley
Befriender Coordinator

I am responsible for the Telephone Befriending Network.

This involves initial and ongoing training for our befrienders as well as matching people to a trained befriender for support following their experiences.

I also work as part of the helpline staff, give awareness talks and help with Members' Days.

Victoria Oakey
Helpline and Membership Officer

I started working for the Foundation in 2003 as Helpline and Membership Officer.

As well as taking calls to the helpline, my role includes working with our members to arrange cheque presentations and awareness events, delivering awareness talks to various groups, and supporting Tina with the Telephone Befriending Network.
The most rewarding part of my job is meeting and working alongside our Members.

Joy Pepper
Membership Administrator

I started working at the Charity in April 1998.

My first post was in the general office for one year, and then I worked in two separate departments as Research Administrator and Membership Administrator for over nine years. I have recently reduced my hours and now work as Membership Administrator and also respond to helpline calls.

I have enjoyed all my roles within the charity and get great satisfaction in knowing that we give support to anyone who contacts us.

Claire Wright
Medical Information Officer

My name is Claire and my role as Medical Information Officer involves working on the educational materials that MRF distributes to health professionals and the public, making sure that it is up to date with findings from current research. 

I also try to answer specific medical questions we receive about meningitis and septicaemia and promote the charity's work at conferences around the country. 

It’s very rewarding to work on awareness literature which may go on to help save lives and support those who have been affected by this disease.
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Kate Rowe
Research Officer

I'm Kate and I work in the Research Office.

I help to organise our grants round, which provides funding for many research projects worldwide. I'm also setting up our new site-visit programme. Between the grants round and the communication I have with the scientists, I learn a lot about the important work we support, which is one of the best parts of my job.

Laura Clark
Epidemiologist and Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate

My name is Laura and my background is in Biology/Epidemiology. 

Since May 2009 I have been working with Meningitis Research Foundation, alongside the University of Bristol, researching into the long-term effects of meningitis and septicaemia. The first MRF Member Survey and future surveys will be an invaluable resource and contribute to a large part of the research I do.

It will be great to see this research used to more effectively lobby government for the provision of after care for those affected by this disease.

Sarah Campbell
Head of Community Fundraising

I have been working for the Foundation since 2001 and have seen the fundraising department grow and develop in that time.

I manage the team of community fundraisers and work towards increasing our income.

I have enjoyed my work as I see the direct result between the money raised and lives saved.

It has been my pleasure to work with a fantastic team and wonderful members and supporters who do so much for us.

Doug Janke
Head of Development

I have been working at MRF since Autumn 2007. Having had meningitis as a teenager I know how fortunate I am to be here. I am inspired by the hard work of my colleagues particularly in Membership and motivated by the courage and determination of our Members and supporters.

I am responsible for seeking and developing new fundraising activities and sources of income, and, with the Chief Executive, for promoting the charity’s good name and profile in new areas of work and developing new partnerships.  I also manage the charity’s corporate, trust and other fundraising objectives, strategy and targets in England and Wales.

In my spare time I enjoy time with my family, cryptic crosswords, growing vegetables, and volunteer for two other charities.

Ian Beningfield
Deputy Head of Development

Social and new media fan, part time geek and prolific coffee drinker. I've been with the charity since 2004, in the past I was involved with many of the charity's community events including most recently the running programme.

These days I spend a lot of my time finding new ways to use technology and the web to boost our fundraising, stay in contact with our Members and supporters and baffle my colleagues with jargon.

Iain Elliott
Community Fundraising Manager

I'm Iain Elliott, and have been at the Foundation for since June 2001.

I'm Community Fundraising Manager at our Head Office in Thornbury.

If you're interested in organising an event of your own please contact me. If you know what you want to do I might be able to give you some advice to help get it going, and I can certainly send you resources to make it go with a swing.

If you fancy running the Virgin London Marathon you'd need to speak to me. And if you wanted to do anything else, and you're not sure who to ask about it, then feel free to ask me - I'll make sure that you get to speak to the right person.

The thing that really motivates me is seeing the huge level of commitment and effort that our Members and supporters put in to raising money to support our work. There's a great sense of satisfaction to be found in organising a successful event, and it's nice for me to have played a small part in helping our many fundraisers achieve their different goals.

Laura Coakley
Community Fundraising Officer

I'm Laura and I've just joined MRF's fundraising department.

If you're at university and want to get involved in some events for us, I can give you the perfect excuse to throw on some fancy dress and raise some money.

My introduction was the hectic street collection that is 'London Loot', if you want to hear about this or any others get in touch. Or if you're at a school or nursery there are lots of ways we can help each other.

New to the charity, I've been touched by the heart-felt support people are willing to give, and how important that is for us.

Kat Lacy
Community Fundraising Officer

I'm Kat and I work in the Fundraising Department looking after MRF's running events as well as the many overseas challenges and parachute jumps offered by the charity. If you'd like to take part then just get in touch

Emily Waller
Corporate Fundraising Officer

I joined the Foundation at the start of 2009 and work as a Corporate Fundraising Officer, making Charity of the Year applications and building relationships with local and national companies.

I'm really enjoying my work at MRF and have met some extremely dedicated people since joining. I've heard some heartbreaking stories of people affected by meningitis and septicaemia since being here, but also a lot of positive stories about people overcoming and recovering from the diseases. These stories are a constant reminder of how important the work of the charity is.

If you are, or know of a business which may be interested in supporting the Foundation, or would like to nominate us as your Charity of the Year, then do get in touch.

Julie Wootton
Administration Assistant

I have been an administrative assistant within the Fundraising Department and the Admin Team since March 2002. Part of my duties are to support the fundraisers on their events and to keep the cupboard stocked up with resources.

I enjoy talking with our supporters and Members and hearing of their experiences even though some of them are devastating, but most of all I am amazed at the commitment of some of them in raising money to support the Foundation.

Tracey Coghlan
Administration Assistant

I have worked at Meningitis Research Foundation since September 2008.

I work as Admin Assistant in the Fundraising Department and find it an interesting and varied role.

I am constantly moved by the experiences from our Members and amazed by their determination to make a difference. I like to feel that in some small way I am helping them all in reaching their goal.

Mary Millar
Scotland Office Manager

I'm Mary Millar and I'm the new Scotland Manager, having joined MRF in July 2009.
 
My background is in marketing and advertising within the private sector, and I will be fully utilising these skills to promote the Foundation further in Scotland and to drive forward increased awareness, support and fundraising campaigns.
 
I'm really looking forward to meeting all our Scottish Members and Supporters, and to helping make a difference to our important cause.

Robbie Coleman
Medical Information Officer

I work as the Medical Information Officer in Scotland. I have a background in Medical Science and Anatomy.

I've been with the Foundation since April '08.

I find this job motivating as I can channel my efforts into trying to prevent people suffering from the effects of meningitis and septicaemia and help provide support for those who have.

Alison Baker
Fundraising Officer

Hi, I'm Alison and I work in the Edinburgh office of the Foundation.

I've been working in a fundrasing role since 2006 and I thoroughly enjoy the large variety of fundraising that our office deals with.

I'm happy to help with all things fundraising in Scotland.


Caitlan Dula
Admin Officer

Hi I'm Caitlan. I'm your first point of contact for the Scotland office giving you information about our unique fundraising events, volunteering opportunities, donations, and loads more.  I also love it when people visit the office and am keen to put on the kettle. Give me a call or stop in anytime!

Dawn Carrie
Admin Officer

Hi , I'm Dawn and I'm new to the Foundation starting August 2009 as an Administration and Fundraising Assistant in the Edinburgh Office. My role includes orgainsing street, supermarket and can collections in Scotland. I rely on the help of all our wonderful volunteer, members and supports, who I am looking forward to meeting.

Diane McConnell
Ireland Manager

I have been with the charity since 5 April 1995 and am the Ireland manager - which incorporates two offices, Belfast and Dublin.

I love my job and get great satisfaction from working with members and supporters of the charity who are as committed to the cause as I am.

I have four grown up children and one grandson. I like family Sundays and walk and read when I get the time.

Marbeth Ferguson
Medical Information Officer

My name is Marbeth Ferguson and I've been Medical Information Officer in Northern Ireland since June 2008.

I feel honoured to work with our members and supporters and hearing how meningitis and septicaemia has devastated so many lives reminds me how vital our work at MRF is.

Emma Collins
Fundraising Officer

I’m Emma Collins and I work as a Fundraising Officer in our Belfast office and have been with the Foundation since 14th March 2007. I feel working for Meningitis Research Foundation is extremely rewarding and although I have been amazed by people’s fundraising efforts I have also been saddened at how meningitis and septicaemia can affect and devastate lives. This is why I am passionate about my role.

Ifeel honoured to work with our members and supporters and hearing howmeningitis and septicaemia has devastated so many lives reminds me how vital our work at MRF is.

Keli Wilkinson
Fundraising Officer

I work as a Fundraising Officer in our Belfast Office and have been with the Foundation since October 2007.

The role is extremely varied and there is never a dull moment which is great! I work closely with Emma Collins, the other fundraiser in the office, although I am responsible for parachute jumps, overseas challenges, corporate fundraising, marathons and that's just for starters!

I really enjoy talking to members and supporters and meeting them at events as I think that makes all the difference. I really enjoy being able to help people with their fundraising ideas and find the role very rewarding.

We are a small team in Belfast but we all work very well together which makes it a great place to work!

Neil Matthews
Administrative Assistant

I am a relatively new recruit to the Foundation, starting work as anadministrative assistant in our Belfast office in February 2009.

My main role is organising street and special collections for the charity, in supermarkets and on high-streets the length and breadth of Northern Ireland. As a result I am in constant correspondence with our wonderfully dedicated volunteers who brave all kinds of weather conditions to help raise vital funds for the charity!

I take an immense amount of satisfaction from the work I perform at Meningitis Research Foundation. It is reassuring to know that all the endeavours of everyone at the charity, the contributions from our members and volunteers, and the generosity shown by ordinary members of the public is going some way towards finding a cure for meningitis and septicaemia.

The atmosphere within our office is also extremely upbeat, with new challenges and opportunities arising everyday. This makes the Foundation a genuinely great place to work!

Diane McConnell
Ireland Manager

I have been with the charity since 5 April 1995 and am the Ireland manager - which incorporates two offices, Belfast and Dublin.

I love my job and get great satisfaction from working with members and supporters of the charity who are as committed to the cause as I am.

I have four grown up children and one grandson. I like family Sundays and walk and read when I get the time.

Clodagh Hegarty
Medical Information Officer

Hi. I'm Clodagh and I the Medical Information Officer in the Dublin office.

What really attracted me to this job was having the chance to make a difference. I have been hugely impressed by the level of commitment and care that is shown by all staff. I feel privileged to be a part of this team.

Monika Madej
Fundraising Officer in Ireland

I work as a Fundraising Officer for Dublin office and have been with the Foundation since 29 May 2006.

As the only fundraiser in the office I'm responsible for generating the income and coordinating every aspect of the fundraising activity.

The charity gives me not only a great opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge but also a possibility to meet wonderful and inspirational people.

In my spare time I enjoy life the best I can.


Wioletta Tometczak
Administrative Officer

I have been working at the Foundation 1 year and 6 months.

It's good to work in a demanding, fast-paced multi-tasking office and to know that we are helping other people.

Elaine O' Connor
Administrative Assistant

I recently joined MRF as a member of staff, and I am enjoying the variety of work. Each day is busy and different. When not at work, I enjoy going to the gym, and being creative.